JohnnaLeeQuilts

I'm considering purchasing the EQ8. I've never used a program to do anything for quilting. I'm not one to design a quilt because it looks to daunting. So I'm wondering if this would be fun. Can any newbies to this kind of thing share their experiences? I'm very computer literate so that doesn't concern me, also I have a new iMac. Can you get a refund if you don't like it? I doubt that would be true. Thanks all!

QuiltnNan

If you decide to get it or want some more information about it, try reading this thread EQ7/EQ8 Tips, Q&A here!

WANNABEE

you might want to try out prequilt.com.

dunster

I don't think it's possible to get a refund. You say that designing a quilt looks too daunting. Is it something you want to do? If you're not motivated to use the software, it doesn't seem to me to be a good purchase. There is a learning curve, and the user interface is not intuitive.

I do use EQ8, having upgraded from 6 to 7 to 8. I consider it one of my most useful tools for quilting. If you do decide to get it, quiltinaday usually has the best price.

sewingitalltogether

I have EQ8. Love it. But I'm an independent quilter who does what I want, rarely follows the pattern directions. Instead I do it my way. Have for years. I upgraded from EQ5 to EQ6 to EQ8. Didn't buy 7. So, I need a program that will help me figure out how to do what I want. These programs have done that. I like designing my quilt. It's an expensive toy if you don't read the how to do it books and don't want to design quilts. I can get or draw up any block and can print it in any size I want. I also use Block Base, a must have for making up your own quilt.
I'm working on a sampler quilt. Don't like some of the block and have replaced them with blocks from my programs.
Also use the 3 classic applique cds and the Karen Stone New York Beauty cd. And a few more. So, I definitely like this kind of thing.

GingerK

I think that the fact that you are already computer literate would be very helpful if you decide to purchase the program. I am not and find that the EQ programs seem to be more counter intuitive than less, are a real turn off for me. Guess I am more of a pencil and graph paper kind of gal.

Good to get as much info and user ratings as possible before purchasing. Let us know what you decide and the results.

NJ Quilter

I'm still working in EQ5. It more than suits my needs. I'm not a quilt designer at all but I like having the ability to draw blocks/quilts in different dimensions; getting cutting needs; checking out different color combos, border scale; etc.

Onebyone

I have had EQ since it was on floppy disc and ran on MS-Dos. If you start on chapter one of the book and do the lessons you won't have any problem at all. It's remembering all of it is my problem. I don't use a fraction of the features of the program though. EQ website has all the fabric libraries to download for free for every fabric collection and answers to every question and how to you need. Not many know that. There are online classes you can take too.

TheMerkleFamily

I'm a computer literate gal, began with EQ8 (vs any previous version or other software) and didn't think the software was intuitive at first glance but immediately became fluent in the program after completing the first three lessons in their "Lessons for Beginners" workbook. It's actually a very intuitive program once you understand the layout. And a very, very powerful tool with excellent features for creating anything you can imagine! I love it and am very glad I invested the time to simply follow a few lessons - made a world of difference for me!

However, I agree with other comments that you should only purchase it if you have an interest in designing. For me, it's become a lot of fun to create, color, edit, color again, arrange, re-arrange, etc.. A super fun tool for me!

Good luck with your choice

Onebyone

You don't have to design a block from scratch. I like using the blocks from the block library and combining them to make a new design. I import a picture of a quilt block I see online and change the color layout or trace it and get the cutting directions.